Autograph Opel Corsa: Typically German

The first impression: eye-catching.

That says the manufacturer: Opel boss Michael Lohscheller stressed during the IAA premiere of the new Corsa, Opel wants to preserve his identity with this car. Series manager Thomas Wanke comes in the driving experience in the same horn. In fact, the car is a fateful car for Opel, but of course no one wants to say so officially.

Why? In the past 37 years almost 14 million copies have been built in a total of five generations. In addition, and more importantly, the Corsa is the first Opel to be developed under the direction of the PSA Group and uses many of its components. Nevertheless, he should not be part of a French car. "PSA already has three French brands," says Lohscheller, "what the Group needs is a German brand."

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That's what we noticed: Whether the Corsa is typically German, we'll leave that open. In any case, the car is typical Opel. Even if a few switches and controls remind you of Peugeot, the ambience looks just like you would expect in a car from Rüsselsheim. With solid material selection and uncomplicated operation, in this car you can find your way straightaway. In addition, the seats are a bit more ergonomic and comfortable than the intracompetitive competition.

But typical Opel also means that even the brand new Corsa looks a bit, well, dusty - even if there is a large touch screen and on request also partly digital instruments. Where Peugeot with the so-called i-cockpit colorful 3D graphics as in the Spielothek moves into focus and DS puts the customer in a kind of jewelry box, the Corsa looks more like a modernized office. Maybe that's actually German. In any case, it is an alternative to the French avant-garde and thus extends the offer of the group.

Also typical Opel - and the group siblings clearly ahead - is the Corsa while driving. With a seat position that is three centimeters lower than its predecessor, with more wheelbase, 1.5 meters less turning circle and a very direct steering, the Corsa feels much livelier and more committed, can be driven through curves more easily and faster and therefore does not only make inroads the city, but also overland fun. "We have one of the most agile cars in this segment," says Project Manager Wanke. Even if he exaggerates a little, the Corsa offers more driving pleasure, is more refreshing and alert than the Peugeot 208.

The new Corsa also plays rational arguments, because despite the unchanged length, the interior of the new Group platform and the larger wheelbase have grown a bit. Backbenchers therefore have more room for the knees, under the tailgate now fit, thanks to increased storage volume, larger suitcases.

Take a look inside the Opel Corsa - with our 360 degree photo:

You have to know that: The new Opel Corsa comes in November to the dealers and costs at least 13,990 euros. While the car maintains its own style in terms of ambiance and tuning, the drives and equipment come from the PSA Group Building Kit. Exception: With the first LED matrix headlight in this class, Opel has its own touch. All the other extras - the automated driving function for overland driving, the collision warning, the guidance assistance or the multimedia solutions are widespread PSA.

In the engine compartment are initially five alternatives on offer: For Brennenner friends, there will be first three gasoline and a diesel, all of which come from France. The petrol fraction drives with a 1.2-liter, which makes as a suction 75 and as a turbo 100 or 130 hp. In the more powerful versions, the petrol engines can be combined with an unrivaled in this class eight-speed automatic transmission. When diesel Opel puts on a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, which brings it to 100 hp. In addition, the Corsa comes for at least 29,900 euros as an electric car. Then he drives with a 136-hp electric motor, reaches 150 km / h and has a 50 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 330 kilometers.

We will not forget that: The shark in the middle shelf. Not because it has any function, but because that's a nice tradition of the designers who have been hiding the predator in every model for many years, pointing out that the Corsa is a genuine Opel.

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